Objective:

Students will use computational thinking, such as decomposition and sequencing, to create a storyboard for a collaborative narrative. They will develop and organize their story into structured, logical parts, distributing tasks and practicing problem-solving techniques in a group setting.

Materials Needed:

• Storyboard templates

• Markers and pencils

• Chart paper for group brainstorming and task assignment

Steps:

• Introduction:

  • Start by introducing the concept of decomposition in computational thinking. 

  • Explain how breaking down large problems into smaller, manageable tasks makes it easier to solve. 

  • Draw parallels between decomposition in programming and dividing a narrative into scenes.

• Group Activity:

  • In groups, students will choose or write a short narrative. 

  • Using the concept of decomposition, they will break the story into key scenes. 

  • Each group will distribute roles (e.g., character design, setting, plot development), and members will be responsible for developing individual parts of the story, ensuring the scenes connect logically.

• Storyboarding and Sequencing:

  • Groups will create their storyboard using a template, focusing on clear sequencing between scenes. 

  • They will make sure transitions between moments are logical and that each part builds on the previous one, just like steps in a program.

• Presentation and Reflection:

  • Each group presents their storyboard, explaining how they used decomposition to divide tasks and ensure that the story unfolds naturally. 

  • Reflect on how structuring stories this way is similar to how programmers design software to solve complex problems.

Equity and Access:

Provide pre-made storyboards and examples for students who may need additional support. Ensure all students contribute by assigning specific, manageable roles tailored to their strengths.

Real-World Application:

Relate the lesson to how computer scientists break down large coding projects into smaller tasks, emphasizing the importance of logical steps in storytelling, programming, and other real-world applications like game design or filmmaking.

CS Practice(s):

• Recognizing and Defining Computational Problems: Students decompose the narrative into smaller scenes, making it easier to organize and collaborate.

• Collaborating Around Computing: Groups work together, distributing roles and managing the story creation process collaboratively.

Standard(s):

• CA ELA-Literacy W.6.3

• CA CS 6-8.AP.18

Objective:

Students will create an animated narrative using Scratch, App Lab, or another coding platform by dividing tasks, programming scenes, and testing their animations for coherence. They will practice using narrative techniques and computational thinking to tell a complete story.

Materials Needed:

• Computers 

• Storyboard templates

• Internet access for tutorials and examples (e.g., Scratch tutorials)

Steps:

• Introduction:

  • Begin with a class discussion on how coding platforms can be used to bring written stories to life through animation. 

  • Show examples of animated stories, emphasizing how dialogue, character movement, and transitions are coded.

• Group Activity:

  • In groups, students will use a storyboard template to plan their narrative. 

  • Once the storyboard is complete, they will divide the scenes and assign coding responsibilities. 

  • Each student will be responsible for programming their assigned scenes.

• Programming and Testing:

  • As students build their animations, they will use coding blocks to program character dialogue, movement, and transitions. 

  • They will test their scenes as they go, ensuring that each sequence fits within the overall story.

• Refining and Presentation:

  • Once all scenes are complete, students will review the entire animation to check for pacing and transitions. 

  • They will make any necessary revisions and then present their final animations to the class, explaining how they distributed the work and collaborated on coding.

Equity and Access:

Provide step-by-step tutorials or pre-made code snippets for students who are new to coding. Pair students with varying coding experience to encourage peer learning and collaboration.

Real-World Application:

Discuss how animation studios use similar processes to create films and television shows, breaking up the work into smaller parts, collaborating across teams, and testing their work as they go.

CS Practice(s):

• Creating Computational Artifacts: Students create animated narratives using a coding platform.

• Testing and Refining Computational Artifacts: Students test and revise their scenes, ensuring smooth transitions and coherent storytelling.

• Collaborating Around Computing: Students work in teams to distribute tasks, manage their timeline, and integrate their code into a complete animation.

Standard(s):

• CA ELA-Literacy W.6.3

• CA CS 6-8.AP.18